Brooks Adrenaline GTS for plantar fasciitis: who it suits, who it doesn't

By Alejandro · Updated October 12, 2026 · Sources: 11 medical and manufacturer references · How we pick

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The Adrenaline GTS is one of the most recommended shoes for heel pain, and for good reason. But "good for plantar fasciitis" depends on your foot. This guide covers what the shoe actually does, who it fits, and what to buy instead if it isn't you. We research shoes from maker specs, independent lab and review data and medical guidance; we don't wear-test them. Read our how we pick page for the details.

Our picks

1. 

   Best for plantar fasciitis with flat feet or overpronation

   Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

   A stability shoe that guides the foot and knee instead of blocking motion. It suits flexible flat feet and people whose arches collapse as they walk.

   • Stability (GuideRails)
   • 10 mm listed drop
   • Narrow to extra-wide
   • APMA Seal of Acceptance

   Skip it if: your arches are high and rigid, or you want a soft, bouncy ride; it's firm and steady rather than plush.

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2. 

   Softer stability alternative

   ASICS Gel-Kayano 33

   Stability with more cushioning than most guidance shoes. A good alternative to the Adrenaline if you want a softer ride.

   • Stability
   • 8 mm listed drop
   • D, 2E, 4E (men's)

   Skip it if: you need wide sizes in women's; check the exact width before you order.

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3. Lighter stability shoe with a rocker

   HOKA Arahi 8

   HOKA's everyday stability shoe. A firmer H-shaped frame in the midsole guides the foot without a hard post, on a cushioned rocker sole. Lighter than the Adrenaline.

   • Stability (H-Frame)
   • 8 mm listed drop
   • Regular, wide, X-wide
   • APMA Seal of Acceptance

   Skip it if: you need a roomy toe box; it fits closer than the Adrenaline for some feet.

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4. 

   If your feet are neutral (no inward roll)

   Brooks Ghost 18

   A traditional, well-cushioned trainer with a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop. That higher heel takes some strain off the Achilles and calf, which is why it's a common pick for Achilles pain.

   • Neutral cushioning
   • 10 mm listed drop
   • Narrow to extra-wide (B–4E)
   • Removable insole

   Skip it if: your arches collapse when you stand; you'll want the Adrenaline's guidance.

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5. 

   Maximum cushion for very sore heels

   HOKA Bondi 9

   Very thick, soft foam and a rocker shape designed to roll you from heel to toe with less toe bending. Rocker soles have no guideline grade, but many people with heel pain find them comfortable.

   • Max cushion with rocker
   • 5 mm listed drop (≈9 mm lab-measured)
   • Regular, wide, X-wide
   • APMA Seal of Acceptance

   Skip it if: thick, high soles make you feel unsteady.

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Which Adrenaline is current?

The Adrenaline GTS 25 is the current model as of October 2026. Brooks has announced the GTS 26 for November 1, 2026, but hasn't published full specs yet. That usually means the GTS 25 gets marked down while stock lasts, which is good news if it fits you.

You may also still find the GTS 24 on clearance. The main differences: the GTS 24 has a 12 mm drop (the 25 dropped to 10 mm) and a little less foam, especially under the forefoot. If a GTS 24 already works for you, there's no medical reason to switch. If you're buying new, the 25 is the easier find in every width.

What the Adrenaline GTS 25 does for heel pain

GuideRails: support without a hard post

Older stability shoes used a firm wedge of foam (a "medial post") under the inner arch to block the foot from rolling in. The Adrenaline uses GuideRails instead: raised, firmer sidewalls on both sides of the heel, with the inner (medial) rail firmer than the outer one. The idea is to keep the heel and knee lined up when your foot starts to collapse, and to leave you alone when it doesn't.

Why that matters for plantar fasciitis: when the arch flattens with each step, the plantar fascia is stretched further. Mayo Clinic lists flat feet and atypical walking patterns as risk factors, and arch supports and supportive shoes are a standard part of care. A stability shoe is one way to add that support from the outside.

DNA LOFT v3 cushioning

The midsole is Brooks' DNA LOFT v3 foam. Road Trail Run's review measured about 37 mm under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot, with 3 mm more forefoot foam than the GTS 24. That is plenty of cushion for walking and easy running. It's not a max-cushion shoe like the HOKA Bondi, and reviewers describe the ride as stable and muted rather than bouncy.

10 mm drop

Drop is the height difference between heel and forefoot. A 10 mm drop sits the heel higher than most modern shoes, which slightly shortens the stretch on the calf and Achilles. Many people with heel pain also have tight calves, and they often find a higher drop more comfortable. There's no guideline that names an ideal drop for plantar fasciitis, so treat this as a comfort factor, not a treatment.

Widths and fit

The GTS 25 comes in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide for both men and women. Reviewers describe the fit as true to size with an accommodating toe box. The insole lifts out, so you can swap in a supportive insole or a prescribed orthotic.

APMA Seal of Acceptance

The American Podiatric Medical Association's seal database lists the Adrenaline GTS 25. APMA is clear that the seal "is not an endorsement" and doesn't promise it will treat a condition. It means the shoe passed the association's review for promoting normal foot function.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Not sure what your arches do? Look at the wear on an old pair of shoes: heavy wear on the inner edge and heels that lean inward suggest overpronation. Our flat feet guide explains flexible vs. rigid flat feet. A podiatrist or a running store gait check can confirm it.

How the alternatives compare

ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 is the closest rival: a stability shoe with more cushioning and a softer feel. ASICS calls its adaptive support system FluidSupport, and the listed drop is 8 mm. Choose it if the Adrenaline feels too firm.

HOKA Arahi 8 is lighter, with a firmer H-shaped frame in a soft midsole and a rocker sole. Lab testing by RunRepeat measured more drop than HOKA lists, so it may feel closer to the Adrenaline than the 8 mm figure suggests. It also holds the APMA seal.

Brooks Ghost 18 is the Adrenaline's neutral sibling: same 10 mm drop and similar fit, without GuideRails. If your foot doesn't roll in, it's the simpler choice.

HOKA Bondi 9 is our top pick on the main best shoes for plantar fasciitis guide. It's softer and thicker, with a rocker that reduces toe bending. It's the better pick when cushion matters more than guidance.

Getting the most out of it

• Add an insole only if you need it. The Adrenaline already guides the foot. If you still want more arch structure, a semi-rigid insole like the PowerStep Pinnacle fits after you remove the stock liner. See insoles for plantar fasciitis.
• Wear it from the first step. Medical sources advise against walking barefoot with plantar fasciitis. Keep supportive shoes or slippers by the bed.
• Keep stretching. Shoes support recovery; they don't replace calf and plantar fascia stretching, which the physical-therapy guideline rates highly. A night splint helps if mornings are the worst.
• Replace it on time. APMA suggests replacing athletic shoes after 600–800 miles of running or walking, or every 6–8 months. A tired midsole loses the support you bought it for.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying stability "just in case." If your arches are high and rigid, a stability shoe adds firmness you don't need. A cushioned neutral shoe usually feels better.
• Sizing down for a snug fit. Feet swell during the day. Shop late in the day, wear your usual socks, and leave about a thumb's width in front of the longest toe.
• Expecting the shoe to do it alone. Most plantar fasciitis improves with several months of combined care: stretching, supportive shoes, activity changes and, for morning pain, a night splint. Read the full plantar fasciitis guide.
• Mixing generations blindly. If you liked the GTS 23 or 24, the 25 has a lower drop and more forefoot foam. Most people won't notice much, but if you're sensitive to drop, try before you commit.